“My aim, as a future chef, is to bring a homemade spirit into my dishes, highlighting the wide range of aromas and flavours of Catalan cuisine” states Raúl Gisbert, the finalist who will represent Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2016 at the 6th European Young Chef Award.
22 years old, Raúl is studying a Technical Degree in Gastronomy and Restaurant Service at the University College of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts of Sant Pol de Mar (EUHT StPOL), one of the most prestigious culinary arts schools in Catalonia.
The local gastronomic wealth of his hometown, Arenys de Munt, and the surrounding area is one of the reasons why Raúl became interested in culinary arts from a young age. A small village halfway between Barcelona and the Costa Brava, Arenys de Munt is located in the Maresme, a long and narrow region lying between the Mediterranean coats and the pre-coastal mountain range. Besides its beautiful landscapes, this area offers a considerable diversity of products such as vegetables, fruits, fish and wild mushrooms.
At the European Young Chef Award 2022, Raúl will present an innovative reinterpretation of the Vermut, a typical Catalan social occasion where people come together before lunch to enjoy an appetizer with a variety of snacks.
“For me, the Vermut is a concept deeply connected to family. I love the idea of innovating on something that is quite ordinary but, at the same time, very meaningful in terms of who you eat it with. Being able to showcase a new approach to the traditional Vermut means a lot to me, because it allows me to highlight not only a dish, but a distinctive social and food tradition from Catalonia.”
About IGCAT’s European Young Chef Award
The European Young Chef Award is an annual competition organised by IGCAT that gathers young culinary talents from the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy. Selected each year through local contests, finalists to the European Young Chef Award compete by innovating traditional recipes from their regions using local ingredients.
The 6th edition of the European Young Chef Award is organised and promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT) and hosted by the Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022. The competition will be held at Strinda High School in Trondheim on 11-12 November 2022, with the support of Trondheim Municipality, Trøndelag County Authority, and Innovation Norway.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.